Nike : Julius “Dr. J” Erving Sets the Tone for the Converse Pro Leather

'The Pro Leather was a change from canvas. There were some experimental shoes before it, but this became the one to compete in,' says Erving. 'The look was off-the-chain. It was a work of art.'

The shoe and Erving's play existed in a cultural milieu soundtracked by funk, soul, rhythm and blues and jazz fusing it all together. The era's famed R&B singers were attending games, singing national anthems at All-Star weekend and creating a clear connection between the spectacle of pro sports and the pulse of culture. In Philadelphia, jazz star Grover Washington Jr. was a regular at Erving's games and often performed before the biggest contests. In 1980, he dedicated his song 'Let It Flow (For 'Dr. J')' to Erving, an expression of both friendship and the rooted intersection between basketball and music.

'I spent a lot of time with musicians in that era - athletes and musicians were all hanging out together,' says Erving.

Athletes and musicians alike set the tone for the era's street style as well. Experiments in textures and layered looks (such as a roll neck under a shirt or jacket) were common, and custom suiting allowed for a friendly competition. 'I evolved into leading the class style-wise,' says Erving. 'I was fashion conscious. Once the door was open for me to discuss custom tailoring, I was into it.'